Racism is an unavoidable subject in the media today. Though it can be a difficult topic to discuss and sensitive in nature, it is important that it is not avoided for those reasons.

Whether or not you have personally experienced or witnessed racism, there are sadly many occurrences still taking places daily. There are devastating stories that many who have been hurt by racism have shared.

Even though these stories are heartbreaking, the voices of those suffering need to be heard. Even when victims themselves are silenced, there are those willing to use their own voices to take a stand.

One KFC worker was targeted because of his skin color. He never expected for an 8-year-old girl to be an advocate on his behalf.

Eight-year-old Autumn was at a KFC with her mother Danee Maserang when they witnessed an act of racism. One of the cooks was a black man.

A customer made it clear that he would not accept food from this particular cook simply because of his skin color. The customer said, “I don’t want any black man touching my food, so you have to re-cook it.”

The mother and daughter saw the hurt in the cook’s face when he heard that horrible statement. They both wanted to do something to show their support for the cook.

Maserang got in touch with her friend Jana, who thought of a creative idea. Jana worked at a Christian school as an art teacher.

Jana’s students were given the task of creating cards for the KFC cook. The students also included messages in the cards to show their support.

The cook’s experience itself as well as the art project of making cards for him were eye-opening for students. Many had never personally encountered racism beyond it being explained in history books.

Serena, Jana’s daughter, wrote “God loves you” and “I’m sorry that happened” in the card she made. Maserang and Jana took their daughters back to KFC to deliver the handmade cards and gifts to the cook.

The cook tearfully accepted their offerings of support and clearly looked touched that the customer’s racism toward him did not go unnoticed or unheard. While the students learned a meaningful lesson on racism and touched this cook with their kindness, may this story also encourage us to be more proactive in fighting against racism so that these situations cease to exist.